Ever wondered what it takes to become a career coach? ??

My journey wasn't a straight line, but every twist and turn led me here.

Let me share my story…

It all started back in 2010 at Santander, diving into the world of contact centre planning.

I learned the intricate dance of workforce logistics, skills, and the importance of matching people to workloads.

I remember one particularly challenging period where we faced a sudden surge in customer calls due to a product launch.

Balancing the need to meet customer demand with ensuring our staff weren't overwhelmed was a real juggling act.

We implemented some call handling strategies and cross-trained some team members, which not only helped us manage the influx but also gave individuals the opportunity to develop new skills.

It sparked my passion for people development, though the work itself was less people-focused than I'd hoped.

Fast forward to 2017, and I landed at PwC – a dream I never thought possible as a non-graduate.

As a Resource Manager for a rapidly expanding business unit, I combined my Santander expertise with a genuine focus on people's careers.

I helped individuals align their aspirations with the right projects, balancing their personal and professional goals.

I remember one individual who was stuck in a role they felt was apathetic about.

Through in-depth conversations, we discovered their passion for data analytics.

I was able to staff them on a project that allowed them to develop these skills, and it completely reignited their enthusiasm.

Seeing that spark reignited was incredibly rewarding.

At PwC, I also discovered my love for coaching.

My coaching sessions with colleagues became the highlight of my week.

I thrived on supporting people through career milestones – promotions, return-to-work transitions, navigating difficult relationships, and so much more.

One of my coachees was struggling with imposter syndrome.

We worked together to identify their strengths and reframe their negative self-talk.

Seeing their confidence grow and ultimately secure a promotion was incredibly rewarding.

Then came the dream role: dedicated career coach.

I applied, aced the interview, but was told there were no openings in Belfast.

Disheartened, I took on a new challenge, leading a global team to support the firm's Skills-First Programme.

Leading a globally dispersed team, we were tasked with embedding the firm's Skills-First strategy into local territories.

This involved working closely with teams across 150+ countries to integrate these new ways of working into their existing strategies.

Supporting such a vast and diverse network gave me a unique perspective on the global talent landscape and reinforced the power of skills in shaping career paths, regardless of location or industry.

This role unexpectedly ignited my creativity.

But the coaching bug wouldn't let go.

I realised that I was passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their careers, and I wanted to do it on my own terms.

I saw a real need for personalised career guidance, especially in today’s rapidly changing job market.

So, I took the leap and launched my own career coaching business.

Armed with a domain name, a laptop, and a portfolio of services, I hoped to make a difference.

Just three months later, I've already helped over 50 people navigate their career's pivotal moments.

And I'm just getting started.

I'm driven by the belief that everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career, and I'm passionate about helping people discover their potential and achieve their goals.

Want to learn more about my journey and how I can help you navigate yours?

Reach out – I'd love to connect!

#CareerCoaching #CareerJourney #CareerDevelopment #PersonalGrowth